Practo launches mental health webinar series

Practo launches mental health webinar series for LGBT+ 

Part of Practo’s doctors-led educational webinar series, Practo Connect

So far, four webinars have been organized as part of Practo Connect, with more than 3000 doctors directly benefiting from it

In an effort to sensitize healthcare professionals to the mental health needs of the LGBT+ community amid the Covid-19 pandemic, India’s leading digital healthcare company, Practo is organizing a two-part webinar series led by mental health experts on LGBT+ from the Indian Psychiatry Society (IPS). Part of Practo’s doctors-led pandemic-focused educational webinar series Practo Connect, the webinar will take place on 16th August from 4pm - 5pm. The webinar is open for all doctors and healthcare professionals. To join these webinar sessions, please register here: Link or one can watch it directly on Practo YouTube channel.

In what has come to be a highly anticipated series offered by the company, the latest webinar will focus on sensitizing caregivers on the steps to be taken to provide the LGBT+ community with greater access to quality therapy and healthcare. Furthermore, it will also see an esteemed panel among the speaker list, including Dr. Dinesh Bhugra, Hon. Consultant Psychiatrist at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Dr. Amrit Pattjoshi, Professor at HiTech medical college and Hospital Direct Council Member of IPS, Dr. Avinash De Souza, Consultant Psychiatrist in Mumbai Convener and Ex Co-Chair of the LGBT+ task force of IPS, and Dr. Prasad Raj Dandekar, HOD, Radiation Oncology, HN Hospital and Founder of HPQI India (Healthcare Professional of Queer India) will be part of the esteemed panel for this webinar. 

"The landmark Section 377 judgment may have heralded a new dawn for the LGBT+ community in India, but many are still known to face intense prejudice and social stigmas. While the negative impact of this on their mental well-being is undeniable, social distancing mandated by a worldwide pandemic has made it even more challenging for them to seek help. The webinar, curated with the leading minds in the industry, has been developed to understand and learn if we as doctors can do anything more to alleviate some of their mental health challenges during this time.” said Dr. Alexander Kuruvilla, Chief Health Strategy Officer, Practo.

Even as extended lockdown measures are lifted, stringent social distancing protocols and curbs on public transport indicate that affected people may remain isolated from their communities. Without strong support structures in place, anxiety and depression have become prevalent among members of the LGBT+ community. Coupled with the added stress of remaining healthy and the challenge of breaking barriers to seek quality healthcare, the LGBT+ community would benefit greatly with targeted intervention. With that in mind, Practo’s latest webinar will help the medical community understand the mental health needs of the LBGT+ community better, and work together on how this can be improved.

“The current pandemic has illuminated challenges and health disparities faced by minority communities in our country. Together with Practo, our efforts are aimed at developing an effective, equitable, and sustainable environment for all people, their well-being being the focus. We believe this initiative will highlight the importance of professional support and critical care required by different community members, especially the LGBT+, without any discrimination," said Dr. Amrit Pattojoshi, Professor Hi-Tech Medical College and Hospital, Direct Council Member IPS

Practo Connect continues to successfully capture some of the most pressing concerns, informative insights, and practical guidance on the clinical side for the medical fraternity as they navigate these uncertain times. So far, four webinars have been organized as part of Practo Connect, with more than 3000 doctors directly benefiting from it. Some of the senior-most doctors from countries including India, USA, and New Zealand have shared their experiences and knowledge on topics like response and treatment for Covid-19 patients, Telemedicine practices in India, COVID-19 preparedness in hospitals, and more. 

(SFI) மாணவர்களுக்கு LGBT மக்கள் பற்றின புரிதலை (Sensitization) நேற்று ஏற்படுத்தினோம்.

Five noteworthy stories from the Bollywood archives that carefully talks about the most sensitive issues of all times!

Amazon Prime Video’s Prime Original Series, Made in Heaven is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video

After a landmark judgment by India’s Supreme Court for the LGBT community last year, ecstatic LGBT activists across the nation stood together to rejoice the moment. Not only did the arbiters of a transitioning society voice their full-hearted support, but also notable stalwarts from the cinema industry came ahead vocally supporting the lifting of the colonial-era ban.

Portrayal of homosexuality has often been caricature-ish in mainstream Indian movies. But filmmakers across the globe including that Bollywood has changed with times and is widening its horizons and becoming an agent of social change.  

Here we bring to you a list of unconventional stories that sensitively portrayed homosexuality in India and helped make a small change the way Indian society looked upon this important subject.

1.      My Brother Nikhil- Filmed in an era when homosexuality was considered to be immoral, directed Onir brought My Brother Nikhil- a brave journey into the forefront. Starring Sanjay Suri, Juhi Chawla, and Purab Kohli in lead roles, the film was a mindful attempt at tackling sensitive issues with utmost care and love.

2.      Margarita with a Straw- Winning hearts across the globe, Margarita with a Straw stars Kalki Koechlin in the lead. She plays the role of a young, romantic, and secret rebel on a wheelchair. The story takes shape when she embarks on her journey of self and sexual discovery. The careful treatment of the film surely makes it unmissable, till date.

3.      Padmavat- Who can forget Jim Sarbh and Ranveer Singh’s on-screen chemistry in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s magnum opus, Padmavat!

4.      Kapoor & Sons- Directed by Shakun Batra, Bollywood’s much-loved film, Kapoor and Sons portrayed homosexuality exceedingly well. Enacted by actor Fawad Khan, the idea was to raise the conversation around gay culture without making it a significant part of the story. The film beautifully conveyed the message that no individual should become an outcast, basis his or her sexual preferences.

5.      Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga- Director Shelly Chopra Dhar has consciously weaved her sensitive-take on such an important issue of our times. . Set against the backdrop of a family drama, Ek ladki ko dekha toh aisa laga beautifully captures the nuances of a lesbian love story.

Over recent years, television and cinema have been an active change agent, breaking labels and challenging societal taboos.. Amazon Prime Video’s Original Series, Made in Heaven is a careful attempt at highlighting some hard-hitting realities of today’s India – a culture in transition.

Amazon Prime Original Series, Made in Heaven is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

Singer Soumita Saha apologizes

Singer Soumita Saha apologizes to LGBT community 
on behalf of entire Country over Section 377

Yesterday, Supreme Court struck down a portion of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, that criminalized private consensual sexual acts between same sex adults. As the verdict was delivered, jubilant LGBT rights activists celebrated on the lawns of the court. The entire nation warmly appreciated the Supreme Court verdict to legalize homosexual behavior between two consenting adults, effectively scrapping Section 377 of IPC and overturning the earlier judgment of the Delhi High Court. 

Noted Singer from Kolkata, Soumita Saha who is well known for being vocal about various social issues and literally influencing the youth to focus on it’s positivity also supported the verdict with open arms. "I cannot express in words how good it feels to know about supreme court’s verdict. The judgment closes the door on a dark chapter of Indian history. It marks a new era of equality for millions of people in India. I think youth shall resume faith in judiciary.” says the young singer who made her international debut this year with mega hit song Ishq.

"Sexual orientation is natural and people have no control over it. It was highly unfair to penalize people due to their sexual orientation. The Apex Court deserves kudos for correcting the 1861 law, which carried lifetime imprisonment for same sex couples", said the singing diva. 

"Britishers might have left the country in 1947, but we are still under pseudo-British Rule due to laws like Section 377 of IPC. This law was mainly used to blackmail the LGBT community members by Police and other Law Enforcement Agencies", she added.

"It surprises me that World's largest democracy actually spent 71 years in granting the LGBT community their Right to Life. On the behalf of this country, I would like to apologize to the entire LGBT community. For them, the real freedom starts today", she further added.